The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) will use R14-million for the Fire and Rescue Operations Learnership Programme.
This is according to the EMM’s executive mayor, Clr Mondli Gungubele, who recently announced the roll-out of the programme.
He said at the end of the training, 200 young people will be competent in firefighting, rescue operations, victim care, care of the environment and protection of property as set by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
He said the training will last for 12 months.
“The training does not mean that the students will ultimately work for the municipality, but it is meant to improve their employability in the fire and rescue field.
“These are our humble steps to eradicate unemployment, poverty and inequality. We are not giving you fish because that is not sustainable; instead we are teaching you how to fish so you can go out there and start fishing to feed your families,” said Clr Gungubele.
The money allocated to the programme will cover the students’ uniforms, training material, training fees and stipends.
The first intake of 50 will be followed by another three intakes of 50 candidates in June, December and January 2017. In total, 200 candidates will be trained.
